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-Editorial
A delegation of over 170 leaders from the business and civic sectors of the San Diego and Baja California region will be making their way to Washington, D.C. from April 14 to advocate for crucial regional issues. Organized by the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, this three-day trip marks the 16th annual Mission to Washington, D.C.
Jerry Sanders, President and CEO of the Chamber, emphasized the importance of the delegation trip in making significant policy advancements. “Given our geographic distance from D.C., bringing such a large and diverse group underscores our commitment to addressing the issues critical to our region’s prosperity. It’s an opportunity to make our voices heard and catalyze change,” said Sanders.
The delegation’s agenda includes strategic meetings with influential figures such as Mexico’s Ambassador to the U.S., Esteban Moctezuma, members of the San Diego Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, and various high-level officials from departments such as State, Health and Human Services, and Transportation. These interactions aim to forward San Diego’s interests in areas like border infrastructure, economic development, workforce education, healthcare, and technology.
Specific topics slated for discussion involve tackling cross-border pollution, enhancing border efficiency, boosting economic and trade relationships, and fostering innovation. The meetings will also cover infrastructure investments and policies that could impact the healthcare and education sectors in San Diego.
The Chamber’s mission is pivotal in strengthening ties with policymakers and key stakeholders to ensure the continued growth and competitiveness of the San Diego region on a national scale.
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is actively shaping policy through its influential delegation trips that engage with legislative bodies on state, national, and international levels. These delegations, ranging from 50 to over 150 participants, include local elected officials, community and business leaders, and small business owners, allowing for a broad spectrum of voices to be heard in policy discussions.
Mission to Washington D.C.
The Chamber’s annual Mission to Washington, D.C., is touted as the largest binational delegation aimed at advocating for business needs and facilitating collaboration among San Diego’s business community and the nation’s leading policymakers. During the trip, delegates engage directly with key figures in the U.S. administration, including officials from the Department of Labor, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Department of State, Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Highlights from the 2023 trip show a series of productive meetings that enabled delegates to connect with Washington’s top officials, influence decisions, and advocate for issues crucial to the regional economy of San Diego.
Binational Delegation to Mexico City
In addition to their efforts in Washington, D.C., the Chamber also organizes a significant delegation to Mexico City. This delegation focuses on enhancing binational commerce and strengthening political and business relationships. Participants meet with a variety of federal officials and representatives from diverse business sectors to discuss crucial policy areas such as trade facilitation, innovation, energy reform, global workforce training, tourism, and border infrastructure.
These delegation trips are a cornerstone of the Chamber’s efforts to ensure that the San Diego region remains competitive and well-represented at all levels of government, fostering significant policy changes that benefit both local and international communities.
